OSHA Suspends Electronic Reporting Deadline

Earlier this year, we reported on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) final rule requiring employers of 20 or more employees to electronically track and report on-the-job illnesses and injuries. The rule also would make employer reports publicly available on OSHA’s website. On May 17, 2017 (ed. note: updated with the date ofannouncement), OSHA quietly announced that the July 1st deadline has been suspended.

The final rule, originally announced in May of 2016, got a lot of pushback from employers due to its controversial piece to disclose employers’ reports to the public. Trade groups and even the U.S. Chamber of Commerce successfully filed a lawsuit against OSHA citing that the rule violates business’ First and Fifth amendment rights. The rule went into effect on January 1, 2017, with the first summary report due to be submitted by July 1, 2017; however, OSHA never launched the submission portal for employers.

According to a report by The Washington Post, an OSHA spokeswoman was quoted as citing concerns over employers’ ability to meeting their reporting obligations on time. As a result of the cited concerns, the initial deadline of July 1st appears to be suspended.

At TSC Training Academy we know that the latest local and federal regulatory changes have a direct impact on our clients. We will continue to monitor this story as it develops.